The world’s greatest Christmas shopper may well have been Marilyn Kagen. Staff Writer Alyssa Schnugg recalls the days (and nights) she went Christmas shopping with Mrs. Kagen – her mother – looking for presents for everyone in the family. (December 6, 2012, Page 4)

There are big family-oriented events and celebrations we all take part in – weddings, births, christenings, reunions, anniversaries, et cetera. Editor Don Whitten takes a look at two he and his families are taking part in – over the course of one weekend. (September 20, 2012, Page 4)

Meek School of Journalism and New Media Dean Will Norton Jr. recently traveled to Lebanon with Dr. Samir Husni (Mr. Magazine to most), and writes about their visit to Husni’s homeland and thoughts about returning to the LOU community – Husni’s home now. (July 27, 2012, Page 4A)

Do you know Siri? Do you work with Siri. Editor Don Whitten writes about this new acquaintance he was introduced to during a recent shopping trip, and he wonders if “personal assistants” in our phones might start replacing some of the duties he has at his house and with his family. (December 7, 2011, Page 4)

Have you ever wondered how people get so attached to their pets? Editor Don Whitten says you need to walk in those folks’ shoes a bit to understand that family pets are, indeed, a member of the family that you don’t realize how much you’ll miss until they’re gone. (September 19, 2011, Page 4A)

Did you realize it will take about a quarter of a million dollars to raise a child born into a middle income family in 2010 to the age of 17? Editor Don Whitten takes a closer look at raising children after seeing those figures from the USDA. (July 13, 2011, Page 4)

When you’re really young, your father looks after you, takes care of you and gives you things. A few years later, he’s the one who teaches you to ride a bike, catch a fish and learn about discipline. Editor Don Whitten explores those changes in relationships between children and their fathers as we get set to honor our fathers this weekend. (June 17, 2011, Page 4A)

Staff Writer Alyssa Schnugg looks back at “surviving” the predicted Judgment Day last weekend, and takes a closer look at why she’d rather hang around a while longer before moving on for eternity. (May 26, 2011, Page 4)

While we seem, every year, to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holidays, local columnist Deidra Jackson says we need to make sure we embrace the ordinary and important things in life at this special time of the year. (December 23, 2010, Page 4A)